1. The International (Dota 2)
Game: Dota 2
Organizer: Valve Corporation
Prize Pool: Over $40 million (2021)
Notable: Largest single-event prize pool in esports history.
The International (TI) will be the pinnacle of Dota 2 competition and arguably one of the most prestigious tournament in esports. Organized by Valve, the game’s developer, TI mixes the best teams from world wide to compete for any prize pool that dwarfs the majority of esports events. The prize pool is essentially funded through the game’s community with the purchase of in-game items, a testament for the passionate Dota 2 fanbase. The tournament is known for its intense matches, dramatic comebacks, as well as the legendary Aegis of Champions trophy, awarded for the victors. The International is now synonymous with the best levels of skill in esports, and winning it can be considered the best achievement within the Dota 2 community.
2. League of Legends World Championship
Game: League of Legends
Organizer: Riot Games
Prize Pool: Over $2.25 million (2022)
Notable: Massive global viewership, with more than 100 million viewers in 2019.
The League of Legends World Championship, often referred to as Worlds, is the annual culmination of the League of Legends competitive season. Teams from various regions, including North America, Europe, South Korea, and China, battle against each other for the Summoner’s Cup as well as the title of World Champion. Known for its high production value, elaborate opening ceremonies, and intense competition, Worlds can be a cultural event within the gaming world. It draws millions of viewers and possesses consistently set records for esports viewership. The tournament’s prestige and also the game’s global popularity ensure it is one of essentially the most-watched esports events of all time.
3. CS
Major Championships
Game: Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS
)
Organizer: Valve Corporation
Prize Pool: $1 million (per Major)
Notable: One in the longest-running esports tournaments, going back 2013.
The CS
Major Championships, often simply called Majors, will be the most significant tournaments inside the Counter-Strike: Global Offensive competitive calendar. Valve, the developer, sponsors these events, which feature the world’s top teams competing to get a $1 million prize pool. Majors are known for their intense gameplay, with matches often decided by razor-thin margins and moments of individual brilliance. The prestige of winning a Major is immense, and teams that succeed in these tournaments earn an area in esports history. The Majors are already a cornerstone from the CS
community, assisting to maintain the game’s popularity and competitive integrity over the years.
4. Fortnite World Cup
Game: Fortnite
Organizer: Epic Games
Prize Pool: $30 million (2019)
Notable: One with the largest prize pools in esports history; available to all players.
The Fortnite World Cup was created by Epic Games in 2019 as the supreme competition for Fortnite players worldwide. The event featured separate tournaments for solo players and duos, with the solo winner, 16-year-old Kyle “Bugha” Giersdorf, taking home $3 million, one of the largest individual winnings in esports history. The World Cup was unique in this it allowed one to qualify through in-game events, democratizing usage of one from the largest stages in esports. The Fortnite World Cup was obviously a spectacle of pop culture and competitive gaming, attracting a massive audience and further cementing Fortnite’s place within the mainstream.
5. The Overwatch League Grand Finals
Game: Overwatch
Organizer: Blizzard Entertainment
Prize Pool: $1.5 million (2021)
Notable: City-based franchise model, much like traditional sports leagues.
The Overwatch League (OWL) Grand Finals represent the climax with the Overwatch competitive season. OWL is unique in the esports world because city-based franchise model, which mirrors traditional sports leagues much like the NFL or NBA. Teams from cities around the globe compete in the regular season and playoffs, culminating inside the Grand Finals. The event is recognized for its high production values, passionate fanbase, along with the intense competition among teams. The Grand Finals aren't only about the gameplay; they may be a celebration of Overwatch as a cultural phenomenon, with live performances, fan events, plus much more.
6. Call of Duty League Championship
Game: Call of Duty
Organizer: Activision Blizzard
Prize Pool: $2.5 million (2023)
Notable: Franchise model using a focus on North American teams.
The Call of Duty League (CDL) Championship is the most prestigious event inside Call of Duty esports calendar. The CDL follows a franchise model similar towards the Overwatch League, with city-based teams competing all year round. The Championship may be the culmination of the season, where the most effective teams compete for the title plus a multi-million-dollar prize pool. Call of Duty includes a long history in esports, and the CDL Championship represents the peak of competitive play with this iconic franchise. The event is recognized for its high-intensity matches, passionate fanbase, and also the incredible skill displayed with the players.
7. EVO Championship Series
Games: Various fighting games, including Street Fighter, Tekken, Super Smash Bros., and others
Organizer: Shoryuken
Prize Pool: Varies by game, typically $100,000+ to find the best games
Notable: The largest and a lot prestigious fighting game tournament inside world.
The EVO Championship Series, popularly known as EVO, could be the world’s largest and longest-running fighting game tournament. Held annually in Las Vegas, EVO includes the best players from world wide to compete in a very variety of fighting games. From Street Fighter to Tekken to Super Smash Bros., EVO is the ultimate test of skill for fighting game players. The tournament is renowned for its electric atmosphere, with a huge number of fans and players packing the venue to witness epic matches. EVO has produced a number of the most memorable moments in esports history, including legendary comebacks and unforgettable upsets.
Esports tournaments have become many of the most anticipated events in the whole world of competitive gaming, drawing massive audiences and offering life-changing prize pools. These tournaments are more than just competitions; they're celebrations of gaming culture, showcasing the skill, strategy, and dedication from the world’s best players. As esports is growing, these events will probably become even bigger plus more influential, solidifying their place within the global entertainment landscape. Whether you’re an experienced gamer or even a casual viewer, the joy and drama of the tournaments cause them to become must-watch events in the arena of sports.